Take
a real close look at MERI
Challengers response to MERI Survey
Incumbent Ratings 119th-121st Legislature
Some challenge the public to take a close look at the Maine Economic
Research Institute (MERI)—we think they make a great point. Please—take
a real close look at the Maine Economic Research Institute. MERI’s
methodology is in our publications, it’s on our Web site www.fixmaine.com,
it’s available to anyone who wants the facts. It’s all about
Maine’s economic future.
MERI was formed by Maine business leaders without political interest
or consideration. The fact is MERI is nonpartisan in all its actions.
MERI’s board of directors consists of Democrats, Republicans, Independents,
and members unaffiliated with any political party. The current chair
and vice chair of the board happen to be Democrats. I am a former life-long
Democrat (I am currently not affiliated with any political party due
to my responsibilities at MERI). MERI’s board of directors has
equal representation from small, family-owned, Maine employers (50 or
fewer employees) as it does larger Maine employers (greater than 200
employees). MERI has an advisory committee which consists of all major
party affiliations and those unaffiliated. The decision to insure diverse
political affiliation on the board and advisory committee was done by
design to keep us out of the politics of politics and focused on the
economy. MERI is about a healthy economy, strong businesses, and quality
jobs!
More than 300 Maine employers support MERI’s mission and new supporters
are joining our effort almost daily. Approximately 70% of our subscribers
are small businesses—the backbone or our economy. The legislation
we track directly reflects what employers around the state say is critical
to their success—their ability to create opportunity for Maine
citizens (jobs). We inform legislators about what legislation we are
tracking—in fact, we inform them several times during the session
as we have updated information on the status of legislative bills. We
want them to know what legislation Maine employers see as potentially
important; again we communicate what we are doing so everyone knows—it’s
upfront and direct.
MERI takes no position on legislation. MERI does not lobby—we do
research, analysis, and reporting so that our subscribers have reliable
information to make informed decisions—just like they do in order
to run a successful business. It is Maine employers who determine if
the legislation is helpful or hurtful to their ability to compete and
be successful. MERI will never be found in the statehouse lobbying—our
job is to do a performance review of legislator behavior on economic
issues.
MERI does not have a “blacklist” of legislators as some have
suggested. We simply report on what legislators are doing when it comes
to Maine’s economy, and we treat all legislators the same. It seems
that accountably is an uncomfortable garment for some to wear. Denial
about our economy and our business climate does not help us. Compared
to other state economies around the country, Maine does not stack up
well and our incomes will continue to lag other states unless we face
the facts and take action.
Please take a very close look at MERI! Visit our Web site—www.fixmaine.com —call
us at 622-9075, e-mail us at <info@me-ri.org>, invite us out to
speak with your organization—get the real facts about MERI.
— Ed McLaughlin, President